Spain set up a blockbuster quarter-final tie with Euro 2024 hosts Germany by surviving an early scare to ease past Georgia. Spain’s Robin le Normand poked Otar Kakabadze’s curling cross into his own net early on but drew level before the break through Rodri. A second half blitz saw further goals from Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo as the two time champions laid down a statement of intent on a wet night in Cologne.
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Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal handed Spain a 1-0 victory over defending champions Italy as they booked their place in the last 16 at Euro 2024. The defender’s misfortune 10 minutes after the break ultimately settled the Group B contest in Gelsenkirchen, although had it not been for the heroics of keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made a string of fine saves the Spaniards would have prevailed in some comfort.
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Holders Italy battled back for a hard-earned opening victory after Albania scored the fastest goal in a European Championship match. Nedim Bajrami made history after just 23 seconds when he thrashed a strike into the top right corner but Albania’s jubilation was not long-lasting with Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella firing Italy to victory.
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Spain made an emphatic start to their quest to win a fourth European Championship with an impressive victory over Croatia at Olympiastadion Berlin. First-half goals by Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal essentially settled the outcome before the break and, although Croatia offered little, this must still go down as a statement win for La Roja.
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FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi tore his anterior cruciate ligament on international duty with Spain and needs surgery, his club has confirmed. Gavi, 19, left the pitch in tears on Sunday after landing awkwardly when jumping to control the ball. Barca said he would have surgery on his right ACL, with a further update on the injury due in “the coming days”.
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